May 12, 06:00 PM - 07:00 PM (PT)
Please join us as we discuss The Philosopher in the Valley: Alex Karp, Palantir, and the Rise of the Surveillance State by Michael Steinberger on 5/12/2026 at 6PM PST via Zoom.
In The Philosopher in the Valley, author Michael Steinberger brings a journalist’s investigative approach to the intersection of technology, power, and political philosophy, using the story of Palantir Technologies and its CEO Alex Karp to explore the broader implications of data-driven governance in the twenty-first century.
Steinberger reviews Palantir Technologies, a company that has become a key provider of data-analysis software to governments and large organizations. The book traces Palantir’s origins in the post-9/11 security environment and its growth into a major defense- and intelligence-focused technology firm whose platforms integrate vast datasets to help users detect patterns, make decisions, and manage complex operations. The author also profiles Palantir’s CEO, Alex Karp, as an outspoken Silicon Valley leader—a philosophically trained executive who frames Palantir’s mission in geopolitical and moral terms, arguing that advanced data tools are essential for liberal democracies competing with authoritarian rivals.
At the same time, the book explores controversies surrounding Palantir’s work with law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and immigration authorities, highlighting broader debates about privacy, civil liberties, and the expanding role of data analytics in government. For investors and policy observers, the story illustrates the growing convergence of Silicon Valley technology, artificial intelligence, and national security.